THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
MOLECULAR AND POPULATION GENETICS GROUP
FELLOW (LEVEL C/ RENEWABLE FIXED TERM)
Applications are invited from candidates with a strong background in molecular
genetics of yeasts to undertake research into nuclear-mitochondrial genome
interactions in the
biogenesis of mitochondria. Studies by Dr Des Clark-Walker in the Molecular and
Population Genetics Group are directed to uncovering the maintenance of genome
integrity in petite-negative yeasts and the mechanism of mitochondrial DNA
replication
and transmission in petite-positive and petite-negative species. Projects under
investigation are concerned with elucidating the structure, assembly and function
of
mitochondrial ATP synthase and the role played by this complex in maintaining an
electro-chemical potential across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Preference
will
be given to candidates who are skilled in yeast plasmid construction, gene
isolation and
manipulation of yeast genomes by conventional and molecular techniques. The
initial
appointment will be for five years. Renewals of appointment may be made for
successive periods of five years subject to a review of performance and taking into
account the research priorities of the School.
Contact: Dr Des Clark-Walker, Telephone: (06) 249 4510; Fax: (06) 279 8294,
Email: dcw at rsbs-central.anu.edu.au
Further particulars, which include the selection criteria, are available from the
School
Secretary, RSBS: Telephone: (06) 249 4138, Fax: (06) 249 0758, Email:
School.Secretary.RSBS at anu.edu.au
Salary: Fellow (Level C) $55,979 - $64,262 pa
Closing Date: 18 April 1997 Ref: BS
Applications should be written against the selection criteria and be submitted in
duplicate to the Secretary, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200,
including curriculum vitae, list of publications, names, addresses and fax numbers
of at
least three referees. The University has a ino smokingi policy in all buildings
and
vehicles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
FELLOW (LEVEL C/ RENEWABLE FIXED TERM)
Qualifications
PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant research field Essential
Experience/Skills
Substantial record of research and publication in the area of Essential
molecular genetics of yeasts
Proven capacity for initiating and developing independent research Essential
Experience in yeast plasmid construction, gene isolation and Highly desirable
manipulation of yeast genomes by conventional and molecular
techniques
Experience in supervision of postgraduate students Highly desirable
Knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunity principles Highly desirable
Personal Qualities
Ability to initiate and undertake independent research Essential
Ability to work collaboratively with others in a research environment Essential
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and Highly desirable
in writing
FURTHER PARTICULARS
RESEARCH SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
MOLECULAR AND POPULATION GENETICS GROUP
Fellow
(Level C - Renewable Fixed Term)
RESEARCH SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
The School, which is one of eight research schools comprising the Institute of
Advanced
Studies at the Australian National University, is a leading centre of biological
research and
graduate student training. The School encourages integrative research across all
levels of
biology from molecules to cells, organisms, ecosystems and the biosphere. It
focuses on
five themes selected for their central significance in modern biology: (1)
Biodiversity, as
displayed from nucleotide sequences to ecosystems; (2) Integrative neuroscience,
embracing mechanisms and development of nervous systems that serve vision, audition
and memory; (3) Biology of the cell surface, especially in plant development and
plant
microbe interactions; (4) Plant biochemistry and physiology, as they relate to
growth and
functioning of the biosphere, and (5) Plant, community and global biology, which
investigates the reproduction, growth and survival of plants as environmental
conditions
change. Structurally the School is divided into eleven groups which allow for
flexible
organisation of research teams engaged in specific projects, led by tenured staff.
At the
present time, the School has approximately 80 academic staff, 150 technical and
administrative staff and 50 graduate students. About a quarter of its budget is
derived
from external sources such as the Plant Sciences Cooperative Research Centre.
THE MOLECULAR AND POPULATION GENETICS GROUP
Research in the Molecular and Populations Genetics Group utilises Drosophila and
yeasts
to study key problems in cell biology and genetic variation in natural populations.
These
organisms serve as models because they are amenable to classical genetic analysis
as well
as to molecular techniques such as transformation and gene disruption. By
combining
these methods with biochemical studies, it is possible to investigate problems that
are
intractable in other eukaryotes that lack such ease of manipulation.
Investigations in the yeast group are focused on two interrelated problems
associated with
the interaction between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes during mitochondrial
biogenesis. Particular emphasis is being placed on studies designed to unravel the
structure, function and assembly of the mitochondrial inner membrane F1-F0 ATP
synthase
complex in two different yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis.
These two yeasts respond differently to loss of their mitochondrial genomes and to
the
consequent absence of three mtDNA encoded subunits of the F0 complex. In the
former
yeast, lack of mtDNA is tolerated, whereas in the latter organism loss of mtDNA is
lethal.
Suppressor mutations in nuclear genes of K. lactis can overcome lethality. Studies
are
now being directed at how suppressor mutations, that are found in three proteins of
the F1
complex, can prevent the lethal consequences of losing F0 subunits encoded by
mitochondrial DNA.
Staff in the Molecular and Population Genetics Group
Two senior staff head research activities in the Group. Professor John Gibson
leads a
group investigating aspects of gene structure and regulation in Drosophila. Dr Des
Clark-
Walker leads the yeast molecular genetics group.
Relation to other activities in RSBS and the University
In response to an internal round of Strategic Development Initiatives, a joint bid
has been
put forward by Professor J. Andrews and Dr G. Hudson of the Molecular Plant
Physiology Group and Dr D. Clark-Walker and Dr X.J. Chen of the Molecular and
Population Genetics Group entitled iStructure and function of organelle proteinsi.
The
proposal is aimed at understanding how functional complementarity is maintained
between
the products of different genomes in the assembly of multicomponent complexes found
in
chloroplasts and mitochondria. Investigations into the biogenesis of organelle
enzyme
complexes forms part of the long term objectives of RSBS.
Terms of Appointment
Salary
Fellow (Level C) AUS$55,979 - $64,262 p.a.
Period of Appointment
The position will be for a maximum of five years. Renewal of appointment for
successive periods of five years are subject to review of performance and will take
into
account the research priorities of the School.
Information on superannuation, travel and removal grants, housing and leave can be
found on the Internet:
http://online.anu.edu.au/secretary/acad.staff/infobook.html
Applicants should note that if they are short-listed for the position, the
following
information will be made available to the academic staff of the relevant area of
the
School: name, degrees, age, present and past employment and bibliography. A
member of the School who is a candidate for the post is excluded from any
consultations between members of the area and the Selection Committee from the time
of application for the position. It is the Universityis policy to make available
to the
relevant academic Boards and to Council a curriculum vitae of the successful
applicant.
